Design considerations for implementation of planar antennas for millimeter wave (mmW) 5G network: a review

Abstract

Purpose Propagation characteristics of millimeter wave (mmW) frequencies that are being explored for implementing 5G network are quite different from sub 3GHz frequencies in which 4G network is operating, and hence antenna design for mmW 5G network is going to be significantly different. The purpose of this paper is to bring forth the unique challenges and opportunities of planar antenna design for mmW 5G network. Design/methodology/approach A lot of notable contemporary work has been investigated for this study and reported in this paper. A comparison of 4G and 5G technologies has been carried out to understand the difference between the air interface of two technologies that governs the antenna design. Important research gaps found after collating the work already done in the field have been bullet pointed for the use by many researchers working in this direction. Findings Several antenna design considerations have been laid out by the authors of this work, and it has been claimed that mmW 5G antenna design must satisfy these design considerations. In addition, prominent research gaps have been identified and thoroughly discussed. Originality/value As research in the field of mmW antenna design for 5G applications is still evolving, a lot of work is currently being done in this area. This study can prove to be important in understanding different challenges, opportunities and current state-of-art in the field of mmW planar antenna design for 5G cellular communication.